How early should you buy bridesmaid dresses?

Start thinking about bridesmaid dresses well before you send out invitations. You want everyone to feel comfortable in their outfit without last-minute panic. Different shops and designers have very different lead times, so check this before you commit to a style.

Ordering six months ahead is a good target. It covers the time needed for the dresses to arrive, plus any alterations. Alterations can take several weeks, especially if there are many people to fit. If a dress is out of stock or needs to be made to measure, it can take even longer.

Here are a few things to plan for:

• Ask your bridesmaids to confirm their sizes early so you can order the right numbers.
• Book alterations as soon as the dresses arrive, not the week before.
• Keep the receipt and note the shop's return policy in case sizes change.
• Allow extra time if you are buying from a smaller designer or a shop overseas.

If something goes wrong, having time means you can order a replacement or choose a different style. It is also kinder to your bridesmaids, who may need to arrange their own transport or hire outfits too.